Rogerian Argument on Police Brutality
I have also included my Toulmin Essay on this topic, to better understand my topic and you can use those sources for the paper too, that can save some time.
our final project in ENGL 1102 will be a 6 - 8 page, carefully researched, and diligently proofread argumentative research paper using the Rogerian method. Your goal in this essay is to demonstrate that you know how to connect to an audience; can understand opposing views; can maintain a collegial tone; and can present a strong, clear, cohesive argument.
A Rogerian argument contains the following features that set it apart from other types of argument:
It maintains a tight focus on a specific audience. Sometimes it is written in the form of a letter
A Rogerian argument carefully examines opposing views without judgment
It maintains a collegial or warm tone
A Rogerian argument can acknowledge that the writer and the audience may not come to a full agreement on the issue
A Rogerian argument identifies places where both the writer and the audience can agree, especially by looking at what values both parties share
Sources
You must include a minimum of seven sources, from a variety of places:
• books (electronic or print)
• magazine, newspaper, or journal articles (from sources located in FDLTCC library’s databases)
• reliable online sources (websites from reputable organizations)
• primary sources (interviews, statistics, etc.)
NOTE: Encyclopedias, including online ones like Wikipedia, may not be used as sources for this paper.
All sources must be cited in proper MLA or APA documentation, both in the text itself and at the end of the paper.
An introduction that draws readers in and gives necessary background information.
An explanation of the opposing side’s views and an explanation of what contexts in which these views are valid
A discussion of shared values between both views
An explanation of your viewpoint with a claim, reasons, and evidence
A discussion of how the opposing position will be improved if the writer’s own position is accepted or a discussion of a possible compromise between the two positions
A closing that ties the argument together and leaves the reader thinking
A collegial tone
Advanced Comp
Rogerian Argument
November 21, 2022
May the Force NOT be with you
Police brutality has been a social problem in the United States, stirring a race debate. Considering the number of minority groups, especially African Americans, that have lost their lives in the hands of police officers, one can quickly conclude that racial discrimination plays an important role in police brutality. It is worth noting that racism is not just a present issue. It is a problem that emerged in the past and is still persistent in present-day America despite efforts to end it. Due to rampant discrimination, police brutality has become synonymous with racism. Studies show that black people are 2 ½ times more likely than white to be killed by a police officer (Washington Post, 2022). According to the Washington Post, more than three people die daily in America due to police brutality. The increasing number of deaths attributed to police use of force indicates that police brutality is not a mere allegation but a real problem in the police department that needs a serious overhaul. Many wonder why such deadly force is necessary and whether there are alternatives that could lead to a better outcome. In contrast, critics have argued that there is no such thing as police brutality and that law enforcement officers only use excessive force when necessary. According to critics, individuals who claim that police officers use excessive force unlawfully aim to tarnish the image of the police department. Although opponents reject the assertion that police brutality exists, their arguments fail to answer many questions about extrajudicial killings. For instance, they cannot explain why police must use excessive force against an unarmed person who is not resisting arrest. These questions, along with many others, create an understanding from both sides that police brutality indeed exists, and racism plays an important role in its occurrence.
Although police brutality has become common in the US and most parts of the world, it is worth noting not the entire police department is rotten. Some officers perform their duties according to the law and have established a positive relationship with the public. These individuals do a commendable job of maintaining law and order and preventing crime. Without police officers, the crime rate would increase, and many people would lose their lives and property. Therefore, it is unreasonable to point fingers at law enforcement agencies due to a few culprits who go against the police code and professional ethics. However, the fact that officers help reduce crime and restore order does not mean that police brutality claims should be overlooked. Everyone wants peace, safety, and fairness in policing. They also want an end to unnecessary loss of lives. Officers who participate in extrajudicial killings are not different from criminals who cause insecurity and trouble. Their unlawful use of force makes the citizens lose faith in policing.
Amid police brutality claims, critics believe there is no such thing as an excessive and unwarranted use of force by law enforcement against a person, and such claims are made to defame the US police system. Critics claim that police only use excessive force under specific circumstances provided by law. They argue that police are also vulnerable to attack by violent civilians who may be armed, posing a danger to law enforcement officers. There are several cases of civilians ambushing, attacking, and killing police officers in the line of duty, including the fatal shooting of officer Dinkheller, who got killed by a routine traffic shop. In October this year, two police officers were shot dead in Bristol, Connecticut, after being drawn into an ambush by an emergency call (Levenson & Campell, 2022). However, the surviving officer shot and killed the subject.
In Philadelphia, three SWAT team members were shot and wounded while executing a warrant, but the officers shot and killed the subject (Levenson & Campell, 2022). In Decatur, Illinois, a motorist shot and wounded two officers conducting a traffic stop, but the subject died after officers returned fire (Levenson & Campell, 2022). The list of officers dying and fatally injured in the line of duty due to civilian aggression is endless. CNN reported that over 252 officers had been shot, including 50 fatally, highlighting a rise in violence and distrust (Levenson & Campell, 2022). Last year, over 73 law enforcement officers were deliberately killed in the line of duty, the most since September 11, according to Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) data (Levenson & Campell, 2022). Because of these incidents, police officers feel that their actions are justified, refuting the discrimination claims.
Being a police officer is indeed dangerous as it exposes individuals to numerous threats. These individuals deal with high-profile criminals and violent suspects. Although their argument about using force under specific circumstances is valid, the emerging question is: Why do police officers use force on unarmed civilians? Why are the cases of police brutality high on minority groups, especially African Americans? If a civilian is unarmed, why do police officers find it hard to execute their mandate according to the provisions of the law? These questions remain unanswered. Instead, critics focus on specific occasions where police behaviors are justified but fail to address public outcry. Broadly speaking, the use of force by police is necessary and is permitted under specific circumstances, such as in self-defense or defense of another person or group. This implies that law enforcement's use of excessive force must be for a legitimate purpose. Article 3 of the 1979 Code of Conduct states, ‘‘Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty’’ (Casey-Maslen, 2016). However, many cases of police use of force are unlawful.
From an individual standpoint, police brutality is a growing problem that needs an immediate solution to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians. It is essential to acknowledge that policing is a relatively dangerous job, but this does not mean that law enforcement officers should use excessive force against every suspect. Their use of force is only justified if it follows the provisions of the law. For instance, if the suspect is armed and opens fire, the police officers have no option but to defend themselves and others. Such individuals are considered a threat, and the police code of conduct allows law enforcement officials to use force under such circumstances. Otherwise, excessive force against an unarmed civilian is unwarranted and considered a form of police misconduct and civil rights violation. Studies show that African Americans and people of color are at a high risk of po...